Modulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system by curcumin: Therapeutic implications in cancer

Pathol Res Pract. 2025 Jan:265:155741. doi: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155741. Epub 2024 Nov 26.

Abstract

By the ubiquitin-proteasomes, cellular proteins are structurally degraded and turnover. Many essential functions and regulations of cells are regulated and controlled by these proteins. Recent studies indicated that many cancer types have been associated with aberrations in the ubiquitination pathway, which involves three enzymatic steps. Dietary phytochemicals have been identified as having the potential to inhibit carcinogenesis recently. As part of this group of phytochemicals, curcumin can play a crucial role in suppressing carcinogenesis by changing many reactions affected by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Due to its ability to change some biological processes such as NF-κB, inhibit some cyclins, and induce apoptosis, it can be used as a drug in cancer treatment.

Keywords: Cancer; Prteasome; Tumorgenesis; Turmeric; UPS pathway; Ubiquitination.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Curcumin* / pharmacology
  • Curcumin* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex* / drug effects
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex* / metabolism
  • Ubiquitin* / metabolism
  • Ubiquitination

Substances

  • Curcumin
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex
  • Ubiquitin